Welcome to the delicious world of Roman-style pizza, a culinary experience unlike any other. This type of pizza is not your typical New York or Chicago style, it’s something in between – crispy yet chewy crust with simple but flavorful toppings.
If you consider yourself a pizza connoisseur or just someone who loves trying new and unique dishes, then this blog post is for you. Prepare to tantalize your taste buds as we delve into the history and origins of this classic Italian dish, explore its distinct features, and guide you on how to make your own mouth-watering Roman-style pizza at home.
What Is Roman Style Pizza?
First of all, let’s define what is Roman-style pizza. Roman Style Pizza, also known as Pizza alla Romana or Pizza in Teglia originated in Rome, Italy.
It is characterized by its rectangular shape and thin crust that is crispy on the outside but chewy on the inside. The dough is made with a high hydration level, resulting in a lighter and airier crust.
This style of pizza is usually served as a takeaway or street food, but it has gained popularity in recent years and can now be found in pizzerias all over the world.
Unlike other styles of pizza that are loaded with toppings, Roman-style pizza keeps things simple. It typically only has a few ingredients, such as San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, and a sprinkle of herbs.
This allows the flavors of each ingredient to shine through and creates a harmonious balance of taste and texture.
History Of Roman-Style Pizza
Roman-style pizza has a rich history that dates back to ancient Rome. It was originally designed as a quick and convenient snack as a lunch break for workers in Rome.
As pizza became more popular in Italy, different regions developed their unique styles, including the Roman style. In the 19th century, when tomatoes were introduced to Italy from the Americas, they quickly became a staple ingredient in Roman cuisine.
This led to the creation of Pizza Marinara, a simple pizza topped with tomato sauce and herbs. Over time, this evolved into the Roman-style pizza we know and love today.
What Makes Neapolitan Pizza Different From Roman Style Pizza?
While both Neapolitan and Roman-style pizza originated in Italy, they have distinct differences in their preparation and presentation. We can tell the differences through the bellow factors:
1. Crust: Neapolitan pizza has a thicker, doughier crust with a puffy edge, also known as the “cornicione.” On the other hand, Roman-style pizza has a thinner and crispier crust. It is also rectangular, compared to the round shape of Neapolitan pizza.
2. Cooking Method: Neapolitan pizza is cooked in a wood-fired oven at extremely high temperatures, which gives it a charred and smoky flavor. Roman-style pizza is baked in a standard oven at lower temperatures.
3. Toppings: Neapolitan pizza usually has a generous amount of toppings, including tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella cheese, and a variety of meats and vegetables. Roman-style pizza keeps things simple with minimal toppings, allowing the flavors of each ingredient to shine.
4. Serving Style: Neapolitan pizza is often served whole and meant to be eaten with a knife and fork. Roman Style Pizza, on the other hand, is cut into rectangular slices and can be eaten with your hands.
5. City Of Origin: Neapolitan pizza originated in Naples, while Roman-style pizza originated in Rome.
6. Cook Time: Neapolitan pizza has a shorter cooking time of about 60-90 seconds, while Roman-style pizza takes around 10-15 minutes to bake.
7. Dough: The dough for Neapolitan pizza is usually made with a lower hydration level, resulting in a thicker and chewy crust. Roman Style Pizza uses a high hydration level, creating a lighter and airier crust.
Ingredients Used On Roman-Style Pizza
As mentioned earlier, Roman-style pizza is all about keeping it simple and letting the flavors of each ingredient shine through. Here are some of the common ingredients used in this style of pizza:
1. San Marzano Tomatoes: These sweet and flavorful plum tomatoes are considered to be the best for making tomato sauce.
2. Fresh Mozzarella Cheese: Made from cow’s milk, this type of cheese has a mild flavor and melts beautifully.
3. Olive Oil: A staple in Italian cuisine, olive oil is used to add richness and depth of flavor to the pizza.
4. Herbs: Common herbs used in Roman-style pizza include oregano, basil, and rosemary. These herbs not only add flavor but also make for a beautiful garnish.
5. Other Toppings: While traditional Roman-style pizza only uses a few ingredients, you can get creative with toppings and add your personal touch. Some popular options include ripened ham, olives, prosciutto, and green asparagus.
Roman-style pizza may be simple in its ingredients, but it’s packed with flavor and history. It’s a must-try for any pizza lover and can easily be recreated at home.
So next time you’re craving pizza, why not switch things up and give Roman-style pizza a try? You won’t be disappointed!
How To Make Roman-Style Pizza?
Now that you know the history and key components of Roman-style pizza, it’s time to learn how to make it at home. Follow these simple steps to create your delicious pizza alla Romana:
Step 1: Make The Dough
Mix flour, water, yeast, and salt in a bowl until a sticky dough forms. Let dough rise until puffed, about 30 minutes
Step 2: Roll Out The Dough
Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and use a rolling pin to roll it out into a rectangle.
Step 4: Add Toppings
Start with a layer of tomato sauce, followed by fresh mozzarella cheese and any other toppings of your choice.
Step 5: Bake
Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the pizza for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the pizza is done, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing it into rectangular pieces. Serve hot, and enjoy your homemade Roman-style pizza!
With these simple steps above, you will have your yummy Roman-style pizza, so why don’t try it, you won’t regret that!
What Makes Roman-Style Pizza Special?
1. It’s a Part Of Ancient Roman History: Roman Style Pizza can trace its roots back to ancient Rome where it was a popular street food.
2. It Has a Distinct Rectangular Shape: Unlike other types of pizza, Roman-style pizza is rectangular, making it easy to cut into slices and share with others.
3. The Crust Is Crispy and Airy: Thanks to the high hydration level of the dough, Roman-style pizza has a light and airy crust that gives it a unique texture.
4. It’s Versatile: While traditional Roman-style pizza uses minimal toppings, you can get creative and experiment with different ingredients to create your unique version.
5. It’s Perfect For Sharing: The rectangular shape and thin crust make it easy to share with friends and family, making it a great choice for social gatherings and parties.
Additional Tips For Making a Delicious Roman-Style Pizza
Making a Roman-style pizza might not seem that difficult, but how to take your pizza to the next level is a different problem. But don’t worry cause we will share some tips that make you proud of your pizza!
1. Use High-Quality Ingredients: As with any dish, the quality of ingredients used can greatly affect the final result. Invest in good tomatoes, cheese, and olive oil for an authentic and flavorful pizza.
2. Experiment With Toppings: While traditional Roman-style pizza sticks to a few simple toppings, don’t be afraid to get creative and try out new combinations. Just remember to keep it balanced and not overload the pizza with too many toppings.
3. Adjust Baking Time: Since Roman-style pizza has a thinner crust, it can easily burn if left in the oven for too long. Keep an eye on the pizza while it’s baking and adjust the time accordingly to achieve your desired level of crispiness.
4. Serve With A Side Salad: A light and refreshing side salad can be the perfect accompaniment to a rich and savory Roman-style pizza. It also adds some greens and nutrients to your meal.
5. Enjoy With A Glass Of Wine: Nothing complements a delicious pizza like a glass of wine. Pair your Roman-style pizza with a red or white wine of your choice for a complete dining experience.
Overall, making a delicious Roman-style pizza at home may require some practice and experimentation, but the result is well worth it.
So gather your ingredients, roll out that dough, and enjoy a slice of ancient Roman history right in your kitchen.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Roman-style pizza may be a lesser-known style of pizza compared to its more popular counterparts like Neapolitan or New York style, but it holds its own in terms of taste and history. Its simplicity and versatility make it a great option for any occasion, whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or planning a dinner party.
And with the above tips and recipe, you can easily recreate this delicious pizza at home. So why not give it a try and add a little taste of ancient Rome to your next pizza night?
Happy eating!